OPEN

On this episode of OPEN, we recognize Parkinson’s Awareness Month with John L. Lehr, President and CEO of the Parkinson’s Foundation, alongside Robert Baittie, who has been living with Parkinson’s disease. Then, we take a look back at our conversation with Estela Starr, founder of Healing Through Unity, an organization working to raise awareness around domestic violence through education, advocacy...

On this episode of Open Friday, host Rhina Valentin is joined by Provost and Vice President for the Office of Academic Affairs Dr. Andrea Fabrizio, and Vice President for Institutional Advancement Dr. Julie Gafney to discuss the Hostos Community College Foundation’s upcoming 2026 Annual Scholarship Benefit Gala. Then, actress and producer Paige Hapeman  joins the show to talk about her performance...

On this episode of OPEN, John King Oppermann, Executive Director of Earth Day Initiative, discusses the upcoming Earth Day Festival in NYC, and ways people can take action for the environment. Then, Yolanda Durant, Stakeholder Liaison at the IRS, shares tips for filing taxes at the last minute, avoiding common errors, and requesting extensions. Next, Mario Armstrong, Digital Lifestyle Expert, offe...

On this edition of OPEN Monday, host Doctor Bob Lee is joined by Samantha Sloves, "My Lyme Coach" Founder and Lyme Disease Survivor, discusses her “First 30 Days” Survival Guide for newly diagnosed Lyme disease patients. Shreea Kaul, Singer, Songwriter and Recording Artist, joins the show to shine a light on her recent project, "Cruel Intentions", and much more. Bola Sokunbi, Author, Founder and C...

On this episode of Open Friday, host Rhina Valentin is joined by Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education Artistic Director Gail Heidel along with digital artist and illustrator, Ebony Bolt. They join us to talk about their upcoming exhibition Remember. Then, educator, human rights activist, and ceramic artist Esperanza Martell is here to share the inspiration behind the exhibition Arte De Ter...

On this episode of OPEN, we are joined by A. Curtis Farrow, producer and director, to discuss this year’s McDonald’s Gospelfest and its impact on faith, music, and community. Next, Kayla Paulino, director of Camp Junior at The Fresh Air Fund, shares how Bronx youth are gaining transformative summer experiences filled with fun, friendship, and personal growth. Then, we revisit a conversation with S...

OPEN Monday host Doctor Bob Lee is joined by Margaux Jones, President and CEO, Randi Ross Entertainment and Hair Reign Visionary, Executive Producer of the Hair Reign Showcase, and Jennifer Scott, Founder of Bud 2 Roses and Hair Reign Producer, joins the through their upcoming Hair Reign Showcase Presented by R&R Entertainment and Bud 2 Roses. Nicky Enright, a talented Artist, Writer and DJ, j...

On this episode of Open Friday, host Rhina Valentin is joined by choreographer, entrepreneur, and social justice advocate Rhiannon Murphy. She is here to talk about her new book, A Citizen's Handbook: Who to Call for What!? Then, filmmaker, visual director, and creative entrepreneur Dante Hillmedo joins us to tell us about his film Butterfly and his new line Lunessence Parfum. After that, the Bron...

On this episode of OPEN, Tara N. Gardner, Executive Director of the Day Care Council of New York, breaks down NYC’s new 2-K program for two-year-olds and what it means for families seeking accessible, affordable childcare. Then, Shinobu Hindert, Certified Financial Planner and best-selling author discusses how AI is reshaping tax filing with smarter organization, improved accuracy, and enhanced se...

OPEN Monday host Doctor Bob Lee is joined by Denhim, R&B Artist, who speaks about his passion for music and shines a light on the release of his recent album project, "The Last L". Nepali artist Sneha Shrestha, Ed. M.,  aka IMAGINE, joins the show to speak about her creative process as an artist while highlighting her recent work. Sanjay Poddar, Operations Head, India Wonderland, discusses his...

On this episode of Open Friday, host Rhina Valentin is joined by artist and philosopher, Dr. Jessica Rodríguez-Colón, who is here to talk about her new book, Displacement of (M)others in Twenty-First Century US films: Impact On Maternal Identities Of "Other" Subjectivities. Next, we welcome photographer Nicole Tung to discuss her new exhibition at the Bronx Documentary Center. This exhibition, pre...

On this episode of OPEN, we are joined by David Adams, CEO of Urban Assembly; along with Tia Morris, Executive Director and Alex Amaya, Managing Director of Leadership Development at Teach For America New York, to discuss Project CAFE. Then, Manny Claudio, Creative Director of PW School of Art, and Alumnus, Walter Nance, share how the school is empowering underserved communities through creativity...

OPEN Monday host Doctor Bob Lee is joined by ET Rodriguez, Freelance Writer and Journalist, who speaks about her focus on arts and culture in the Bronx and NYC at large. Belinda Chiu, MSPH, Senior Advisor for Environmental Justice, NYC Mayor's Office of Climate & Environmental Justice, spotlights the Environmental Justice NYC Plan. Keisha Mayo, Producer, Playwright, and Author,  Darlene Griset...

On this episode of Open Friday, host Rhina Valentin is joined by husband and wife duo Zalo and April Castillo, founders of Lion Chaser Media.  They're here to talk about their mission to create media with purpose, power and impact. Then, the founding partners of Santu Beauty, Alicia Nogales and Angelique Van Wyk, join Rhina to talk about their sustainable beauty line.  Finally, the Open Artist Spo...

On this episode of OPEN, we’re joined by Joe Pressley, Vice President of Public Policy & Government Relations at Amida Care, who breaks down what potential federal Medicaid cuts could mean for New Yorkers living with HIV and for the broader healthcare safety net. Next, Rey Hollingsworth Falu, President of the Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS, joins us to discuss the latest housing data f...

OPEN Monday host Doctor Bob Lee is joined by Tobiyah Israel, Officer, Israel United in Christ, and David Israel, Soldier, Israel United in Christ, who speak about their global mission. Yulisol Francisco, President of the Bronx Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, and Amy Melendez, Licensed Realtor and Marketing Director, NAHREP Bronx, discuss the services that...

On this episode of Open Friday, host Rhina Valentin is joined by the 13th Commissioner of The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, Rossana Rosado. Here to talk about her new book Bronx Attitude. Then, founding partners of Freedom Studios Julia Carias-Linares and Meiling Macías-Toro join Rhina to talk about their new bilingual unscripted lifestyle series Fix Mi Casa. After that, sh...

On this episode of OPEN, Patrick Nowak, Manager of Exhibitions Operations at the New York Botanical Garden discusses The Orchid Show: Mr. Flower Fantastic’s Concrete Jungle, a vibrant celebration of orchids and NYC-inspired street culture. Next, Nicole Johnston, Senior Director of School-Year Programs at The Fresh Air Fund talks about City Explorers, a mentorship program helping NYC youth discover...

OPEN Monday host Doctor Bob Lee is joined by Tobiyah Israel, Officer, Israel United in Christ, and David Israel, Soldier, Israel United in Christ, who speak about their global mission. Yulisol Francisco, President of the Bronx Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, and Amy Melendez, Licensed Realtor and Marketing Director, NAHREP Bronx, discuss the services that...

First, we welcome Raidirys "Ra" Rivas Mccray, founder of The Bronx Vegan Bazaar, to discuss the highly anticipated return of the event. Next, actress and talent manager Susan Rybin joins us to break down the "ins and outs" of the industry for aspiring young performers. Then, photographers Emily Sujay Sanchez and Lex Kim stop by to highlight their new exhibition at the Bronx Documentary Center. Fin...

On this episode of OPEN, Rosa Caballero-Li, Senior Director of BookOp discusses the New York Public Library’s new partnership with The New York Times, offering free unlimited online access at branches citywide. Then, Debbie Kross, Co-Recording Secretary of PLACE NYC, breaks down new survey results on proposed changes to NYC’s Gifted & Talented programs. Next, Charles Komanoff, Mathematician an...

OPEN Monday host Doctor Bob Lee sits down with Julie Rauer, Artist and Co-founder, Art Science Complex, and Bruce Gemmell, Co-founder,  Art Science Complex, who speak about their work, the intersectionality of art and science and its impact on the community at large. Bartholomew Bland, Executive Director and Curator of the Lehman College Art Gallery, joins the show to preview his upcoming, "The Pa...

On this episode of Open Friday, host Rhina Valentin welcomes Gregory Hernandez, Executive Director of The Bronx Independent Cinema Center, and Social Media Manager Bernadette Mahoney. Then, actor, writer, and director Juan Carlos joins us to discuss his role in Stranger Things on Broadway. We also sit down with visual artist and high school teacher John Vasquez Mejia, who shares the unique storyte...

OPEN Monday host Doctor Bob Lee sits down with Michele Weisman, Founder and CEO, Meet the Writers, Inc., to discuss how her organization continues to push its goals of empowering students and fostering a love for reading. Kalila, 2025 Girl Scout Cookie Top Seller for the Bronx, and her mom and Troop Leader, Alaira Ashford, join the show to speak about Kalila's attempt to become a three-time Girl S...

First up is producer and filmmaker Anthony James Faure to talk about stories that center cultural identity, migration, and the power of language. Then, we're joined by yoga/fitness instructor and owner of Ofrenda Yoga Studio, Jazmin Tejada, who is here to enlighten us about the transformative power of yoga. After that, award-winning voiceover and film actor, Summer Rose Castillo is here to talk ab...